Cytospora Canker: Treatment for Blue Spruce & Other CO Trees

Cytospora Canker: Treatment for Blue Spruce & Other CO Trees Key Takeaways: Cytospora canker is a fungal disease that attacks stressed trees, and Colorado blue spruce is its most common target in Colorado landscapes. There’s no fungicide or spray that cures cytospora canker; management is about reducing tree stress, pruning correctly, and preventing spread. Because […]

Fire Blight: Disease Treatment & Prevention for Trees in Colorado

Fire Blight: Disease Treatment & Prevention for Trees in Colorado Key Takeaways: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that attacks apple, pear, hawthorn, mountain ash, and other trees in the rose family, and it has no true cure once a tree is infected. Warm, wet spring weather during bloom makes Colorado’s Front Range a hot […]

Guide to ISA Certified Arborists & ANSI Tree Care Standards

Guide to ISA Certified Arborists & ANSI Tree Care Standards Key Takeaways: The two main ANSI tree care standards are ANSI A300 (how tree work should be performed) and ANSI Z133 (how it should be performed safely). An ISA Certified Arborist has met experience and exam requirements and follows a professional code of ethics, with […]

Colorado Trees Guide: Find Your Best Native Tree Option

Colorado Trees Guide: Find Your Best Native Tree Option Key Takeaways: The best trees for Colorado are native or regionally adapted species that handle dry soils, intense sun, and dramatic temperature swings. Choosing the right tree starts with your goal, whether that’s shade, privacy, low water use, a small footprint, or fruit. Matching a tree […]

Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Preventing Damage to Trees & Shrubs

Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Preventing Damage to Trees & Shrubs Key Takeaways: Colorado’s rapid temperature swings drive the freeze-thaw cycle, causing bark cracking, root heaving, and long-term shrub and tree damage. Common signs of freeze damage to trees include frost cracks, bleached needles, branch dieback, and delayed spring growth. Improving soil moisture, applying mulch correctly, pruning for […]

Plants, Trees, & Climate Change Impact: Extreme Weather Prep

Plants, Trees, & Climate Change Impact: Extreme Weather Prep Key Takeaways: In Colorado, climate change impact on trees includes drought stress, pest pressure, freeze–thaw damage, and increased storm-related limb failure. Effective extreme weather prep involves structural pruning, mulching, irrigation adjustments, and selecting the best trees for climate change. Building a resilient landscape requires proactive care […]

Winter Watering: When, How, & How Much Do Trees Need?

Winter Watering: When, How, & How Much Do Trees Need? Key Takeaways: Winter watering is essential in Colorado’s dry climate, even when trees are dormant and temperatures are cold. Watering trees in winter during dry periods helps prevent dehydration, root damage, and delayed spring growth. The frequency of watering in winter depends on tree age, […]

Winter Storm Prep: Protecting Trees in Colorado’s Cold

Winter Storm Prep: Protecting Trees in Colorado’s Cold Key Takeaways: Protecting trees in winter reduces the risk of broken limbs, bark damage, and root stress caused by snow, ice, wind, and rapid temperature swings common in Colorado. Effective winter storm prep includes structural pruning, deep watering before freeze, mulching, and proper tree cover as needed. […]

Common Pests & Tree Diseases in Colorado: Fall Treatments

Common Pests & Tree Diseases in Colorado: Fall Treatments Key Takeaways Many Colorado pests and tree diseases overwinter in bark and soil, leading to bigger problems in spring if untreated. Fall is the best time for sick tree treatment, targeting issues like emerald ash borer, fire blight, powdery mildew, and tree cankers before dormancy. Professional […]

Shrub Care in Colorado: Maintenance Tips & Treatment

Shrub Care in Colorado: Maintenance Tips & Treatments Key Takeaways When to water shrubs: 1-2 times per week in summer, slightly less in spring and fall, and on warmer days in winter When to fertilize shrubs: as needed when foliage is pale or growth is stagnant Common signs of shrub disease: leaf spots, powdery mildew, […]